By Yuko Saito | Hello, Art!
The LIVES Art project has been growing since last year. By holding the Outsider Art exhibitions in offices, we spread awareness of different forms of creative expression created by artists that face barriers to the art world, whether due to disability, health, social circumstance, or isolation. Outsider Artists are entirely self-taught, and their work is unique and original. Their originality is a powerful mirror of the Artist's state of mind and symbolizes their life.
So far this year, we have held the Outsider Art exhibitions in three offices, and one more office to do the Art exhibition this year. As seen in the attached graph of the Art Caravan Survey, which we took from the employees after the exhibitions, the majority did not know about Outsider Art. Some heard the term "Outsider Art" before but did not know what exactly it was. We also conducted an awareness talk in which we invited curators to talk about the concept of Outsider art and specific Art pieces displayed in their offices, as well as about the artists and their characteristics.
As seen in the survey, this led to more recognition of Outsider Art and interaction among colleagues, friends, and family members, which will further spread the word about Outsider Art. Not only that they spread the word, but they also increase positive social interaction opportunities and connections between people.
By displaying the Art for about one to two months in the offices, the employees start to get used to having them. As you can see in the attached pictures, before having the Art and After, it looks completely different. At the end of the exhibition, some employees bought the Art for themselves, and some companies decided to purchase and keep it in their offices. We were able to sell more than 30 Art at a proper value which the money will go directly to the artists. This exhibition also is an opportunity for these Outsider artists to be out in society as any other great Artist.
Below are some of the comments on the survey we took from employees:
Did the Art Caravan inspired you? How?
On September 25th, our organization had our annual event called LIVES TOKYO, where we collaborated with many speakers to share our thoughts and discuss creating a more inclusive society. At the event, we also had a big photo spot where all the participants who came to the event could take a picture as a memory which can be seen in the attached picture. We have made a poster using four different Outsider Art. Many people took pictures in front of this beautiful photo spot and shared them on SNS. This made the Artists very happy as well to see many people taking pictures in front of their work which they had put effort into. There was also a sales booth at the event where they sold products using Outsider Art. Many people who came to the event did not know in the beginning that it was made using Outsider Art. Even buying these products can support the Artist. This was also another great opportunity to have many people come and see what Art can create.
Although, there are still challenges guiding people to purchase Art in Japan compared to other countries.
The Art Basel & UBS Report "The Art Market 2022" indicates the global Art market share by value in 2021. As seen in the graph (Global Art Market Share by value), Japan has a small Art market. This means that it may take some time for people in Japan to realize the importance of Art and its power and beauty in their daily life, including offices and their houses.
However, according to the post "How Millennials Are Challenging And Changing The Art Market," the largest consumer of Art today is the so-called Millennials aged between 26-41 (Sulley). The Art Basel & UBS Report also reported that Millenials were the highest collectors in 2020. Holding Art Caravan in offices with younger employees could also intrigue them with the Outsider Art.
As mentioned above, our project has a significant impact on society, but due to Japan not having a big Art culture, especially in Contemporary Art could take time. But we will keep working for a greater impact!
Recourses:
Sulley, S. (n.d.). Council Post: How Millennials Are Challenging And Changing The Art Market. [online] Forbes. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2022/04/13/how-millennials-are-challenging-and-changing-the-art-market/?sh=18ad0b574212 [Accessed 26 Oct. 2022].
The Art Market 2022 An Art Basel & UBS Report. (n.d.). [online] Available at: https://d2u3kfwd92fzu7.cloudfront.net/Art%20Market%202022.pdf.
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